My rear springs are on the 2nd to lowest setting. Came that way from the factory. If I hit a bump it seems stiff as hell. I'm 5'8" & weigh 180. If I raise the setting will that make them harder or softer. As it is now it feels like I have a rigid mount rear. TIA

 

if you are looking at the shock from above, twisting it clock-wise will increase preload, counter clock-wise will decrease. Just remember preload only really affects how much force it takes to get the shock moving, if after decreasing the preload it is still too stiff, maybe look at new springs.

ps 1/3 to 1/4 sag with rider weight is what is recommended. [i think]

 

Depends how big those bumps are, I'm 200 lbs and my factory shocks just bottomed out. Regardless of preload setting.

 

what length shocks are on your bike ?
the shorter shocks have a shorter travel to keep tire off the fender.
hence heavier spring rate to keep them from bottoming out .
my sportie has 13.5 shocks , and 3.5 inches of travel.
they are set on the lowest setting of preload.
1 am at 190ish and never bottom out, yet it is a pretty soft ride.
those folks with 10 inch shocks dont have much travel to work with

 

I have the stock shocks/springs that come on a 48. They are turned all the way counter-clockwise so I guess that's as soft as they get????

 

the stockers are a waste of time... i replaced mine with 1" longer works performance shocks. this bike never bottoms out now and handles better with much more comfort. slamming the bike (lowering it) may make it look nice but its a waste of ride imo. the preload setting on a good set of shocks is there to set for the weight of the riders-

 

If you raise the setting that will make them harder.

 

I ridw with my 11.75's on the lowest setting and I only bottom out now and then riding 2 up. We are not big people so that might be why.